11 Keto-Friendly Noodle Bowls Way Better Than the Ramen You Ate in College

Written by Abbey Perreault on March 7, 2018

For those on the keto diet, ditching carbs generally means saying goodbye to noodles as you know them. Which is why you might assume that your glorious ramen-binging days (two microwavable Cup O’ Noodles before 10 a.m.? Sure!) are behind you.

OK, so maybe some things should stay in the past. But there’s no reason you have to blacklist ramen—or noodle bowls altogether. For those days when you’re craving something warm, filling, and savory, there are plenty of ways to get your noodle on without totally derailing your new meal plan. These keto meals will help you get there.

Don’t for a second think that ditching that instant flavor packet will result in a bowl of bland noodles. In fact, we’d argue it’s quite the opposite. This recipe keeps things interesting with a bounty of beef and naturally flavorful ingredients. Top it off with extra green onion, pepper flakes, and a little hot sauce to really crank up the heat.

You don’t have to fantasize about your favorite stir-fried noodle dish anymore… pad Thai is now on the keto menu. This recipe swaps out traditional rice noodles for shirataki noodles, which, when cooked, absorb the nuanced nutty and spicy flavors in this dish as well as the real ones.

Ramen has got a bit of a grimy reputation. But we promise it cleans up well in this recipe. If you’re cooking to impress, this spaghetti squash and shrimp dish definitely says, “I’m fun, but I’m an adult now.” Be cautious with portions for your squash (this gourmet gourd isn’t totally carb-free), but go crazy with the mushrooms, shrimp, garlic, and ginger. Top it all off with a generous portion of green onion, and, if you want a little more intensity of flavor, add a drop of fish sauce.

The next time you find yourself with an abundance of leftover turkey, do not just throw it in a lettuce sandwich! Instead, you can make this surprisingly tasty keto ramen bowl in just a few simple steps. There’s a winning combination of crunchy zucchini, roasted turkey, warm broth, and savory soy sauce in this recipe that makes us wish Turkey Day happened more than once a year.

Thought egg rolls were off-limits? Think again. This recipe takes all of those tasty veggies and sauces on the inside of the roll and reunites them in a totally keto-compliant bowl. This dish is delicious as is, but you can add a little extra broth if you want to give it a more soup-like vibe.

If you’re looking for lighter faux-noodle fare with a lot of flavor, this is a great option. Swap out typical ramen noodles for shirataki noodles and give them a quick fry before adding them to the soup. Load up your bowl with shiitake mushrooms, baby bok choy, and sesame fried tofu for a keto-veggie delight.

While kelp noodles may sound like fare fit for small sea creatures, they’re actually killer noodle substitutes. With a taste and consistency pretty similar to rice noodles, they’re also rich in vitamins A, B, and C, as well as several minerals. Pack this bowl with broccoli, carrots, and peas, and you’ve officially proven that healthy ramen is not an oxymoron.

Ramen, meet curry. After tasting this uniquely spiced variation on your classic ramen, we’ve decided it’s a match made in heaven. With creamy coconut milk, curry paste, chili, a dash of maple syrup, and ginger, this dish somehow has all of the flavors we want in a single bowl.

You can recreate this fan favorite with a simple zucchini noodle substitution. Pack your broth with extra garlic, ginger, soy, and scallions before beefing it up with the meat, carrots, and bean sprouts. You’ll have ALL the savory flavor and hearty texture—without the carbs.

Some of us like to wake up to the smell of coffee. Others prefer ramen. If that’s you, this savory breakfast bowl might just become your go-to brunch. While this recipe calls for using a half of a packet of regular noodles, keep it keto by using shirataki or edamame noodles instead. Poach a few eggs, fry up some bacon, and slurp down your breakfast alongside your morning joe.

This keto-friendly curried chicken noodle bowl is creamy, filling, and full of flavor. The best part? It takes 10 minutes of prep to whip up this dish. So you can have dinner on the table in no time, prep for the rest of the week, and spend your free time noodling around somewhere besides the kitchen.